(UPDATE) FOR the record, La Salle’s Kevin Quiambao didn’t sneak to play in his “ligang labas” stints, especially that one league in Sariaya, Quezon during the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament All Saints’ Day break.
The reigning MVP has the permission of the Green Archers coaching staff and management.
“Every move I make, I ask permission from our management, coach Topex [Robinson] and the rest of the coaching staff first. They have their blessings in it,” said Quiambao.
The 6-foot-6 forward made this known after leading La Salle to a 77-66 win over the UP Fighting Maroons on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where he logged 15 points and five rebounds as the Archers secured the top spot with a 12-1 slate.
Quiambao, 23, added that the La Salle management and staff just reminded him to be cautious so as to avoid injuries and whatnot.
“They just told me to take care of myself because our number one rule is to use your judgement. You can do whatever you want but you have to realize that whatever you do, the team could be affected by it.”
Quiambao also denied the reports that he’s received a compensation of about P200,000 for every game he plays in Sariaya.
“I only did that [ligang labas] for my family but there’s no truth about me getting that huge amount of money. Never. I never accept that amount of money,” said Quiambao.
For Quiambao, he’s simply paying a debt of gratitude to the owners of Vista Laiya whom he said helped take care of him when he was a kid.
“It’s more like I’m just paying a debt of gratitude to Vista Laiya which I played for because they are nearby from us. They are at Las Piñas which is near Alabang. They have taken care of me ever since I was a kid.”
Per UAAP rules, there’s no prohibition for any student-athlete and/or sports team of any member university from simultaneously participating in other tournaments or leagues while participating in the UAAP.
